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Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)John M. Jackson, Archivist
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives ( specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
The collection is open for research.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Draper Mercantile Company Account Books, Ms1940-005, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Draper Mercantile Company Account Books were acquired by the VPI Agricultural Branch Library in 1939 or 1940 and transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in 1955.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Draper Mercantile Company Account Books commenced and was completed in October 2012. Initial description was completed in or prior to May 1970.
According to the current incarnation of the business, the original Draper Mercantile was founded by E. G. Gannaway, G. H. Gilmer, E. T. Pratt, and J. H. Pratt, who ran the store as a partnership until 1944, when Gannaway's sons, G. Gilmer and Lawrence C., bought out the Pratt and Gilmer interests and operated the business until 1979. In addition to its offerings in general merchandise, the store at times housed a blacksmith, barbershop, millinery, dress shop, and the local post office.
Ownership passed through several hands in the following decades, with the building becoming home to a furniture store and, later, an antiques dealership. In 2008, Debbie and Bill Gardner purchased the store and reopened it as the Draper Mercantile and Trading Company, returning the store to its original purpose but with a focus on locally produced goods.
This collection contains ledgers of the Draper Mercantile Company, a general store and associated enterprises operating in Draper (Pulaski County) from the late 19th century through the late 20th century. Included are three store ledgers, proviiding customer names, transaction dates, and goods purchased. The collection also includes a day book maintained by the Bank of Draper, providing customer names and transaction amounts.
The collection is arranged chronologically.
The guide to the Draper Mercantile Company Account Books by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your- work/public-domain/cc0/ ).